</font></u><font color="#0000FF"><u><font size="4">NEWS
ARTICLES ABOUT THE NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS ARE POSTED DAILY AND
UPDATES ARE ADDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY. GENERAL SPORTS NEWS LINKS ARE
ALSO INCLUDED.

"Osi Umenyiora claims he isn't sleeping much these days because, like every
draft-eligible player not named Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, he's unsure
which team will be his employer by the end of the week.

Right now, it's the Giants (http://www.nj.com/giants). But with
an ever-contentious contract situation heading into its final season, Umenyiora
knows this could be the best time for the team to get something instead of
nothing.</p>

"If they make me play out the seventh year of a seven-year deal, that's going
to be rough right there," the two-time Pro Bowl selection, who had nine sacks in
nine regular-season games and 3½ more in the postseason, said today at the NFL's
"Play 60" event at Chelsea Waterside Park, while making an appearance for Kinect
for Xbox. "I don't even know if that's a possibility at this point, but you can
never say never. Hopefully something will be done here. If I have to come back
and play (under his current deal), I really don't know how I'm going to react to
that situation."</p>

Umenyiora added, "This is the last year of my deal and, given the current
circumstances, I think maybe the Giants would probably think I wouldn't be back
after this year. So if they're going to get something, now would be the time to
do it."</p>

Last week, general manager Jerry Reese said there's been "a little bit of
talk" between the front office and Umenyiora's camp, though indications are the
"little" part of the statement is the most accurate part. In other words,
there's nothing cooking there, as Umenyiora confirmed there have been only
"preliminary" discussions and no "serious talks" about an extension or
trade.</p>

Umenyiora is scheduled to earn $3.975 million in base salary this upcoming
season as part of the six-year extension he signed in December 2005. Umenyiora,
who parted ways with his first agent a little more than a year after signing the
contract, has said in the past he didn't understand it was in actuality a
seven-year deal because he was already under contract for 2006.</p>

Asked if he expects to redo his contract with a new team before a trade would
be completed, Umenyiora gave an interesting and telling answer.</p>

"At this point, it wouldn't even matter. I would go somewhere else and play
under my current deal, I really would," he said. "So whatever happens, man, I
think this year is going to be my best year as a professional. I truly, truly
feel that way. So whether it's with the Giants or somewhere else, I'll be all
right. I'll be all right."</p>

Umenyiora, 30, said he took about a week to celebrate the Super Bowl XLVI
championship, <a href="http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/02/giants_osi_umenyiora_enjoying.html">as
he vowed he would</a>. After that, he worked on getting into what he described
as "some of the best shape of my career right now." He's eager to play and
perform - on all three downs.</p>

Though he stopped short of saying he'd prefer it to be elsewhere if he has to
play under his current deal.</p>

"I wouldn't go so far as to say that. But I definitely feel like I'm an
every-down player," he said. "I feel like I'm one of the most dangerous
defensive ends in football. Not the best but the most dangerous. There's a
difference there. I want to be able to play, I want to be able to lay it out
there for everybody.</p>

"There's this perception that I don't play the run (well) and all that stuff
and that just makes me so angry because there's no evidence on tape, especially
over these last two years, that that's true. So the fact everyone keeps saying
that, I just want to go out there and prove I can definitely do that."</p>

Umenyiora was demoted in 2009 because of sub-par play against the run. After
that season, <a href="http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2010/08/giants_osi_umenyiora_determine.html">even
he admitted he played "terrible" football at times</a>.</p>

But since then, Umenyiora has worked to be a well-rounded player. And as he
showed with a forced fumble that saved a touchdown in the Divisional Round
victory over the Packers, he's still very much a difference maker.</p>

"(The Giants) are really starting to view me as (solely) a pass rusher,
especially with the emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul and obviously you know how
(Justin) Tuck plays," he said. "There are a lot of issues we have to work
through here. There really are. But hopefully we’ll be able to come to some sort
of resolution."</p>

One of those "issues" is Umenyiora's belief the Giants have soiled his
reputation as a run defender and thus hurt his value.</p>

"I think definitely people are like, ‘Well, if the team’s only going to put
him out there in passing situations then obviously they’re doing it for a
reason,'" he said. "I mean, it can’t be the fact Jason and Tuck are just
absolutely monsters against the run. It must be the fact I’m terrible at this.
You know what I mean?"</p>

This all seems to be coming to a head at some point or another. If it's not
this week via a trade, the Giants will have to figure out a way to please
Umenyiora before he plans on returning.</p>

"As soon as those things are taken care of I’ll be more than glad or more
than happy to join my teammates," he said. "I miss them, I want to be around
them, but they definitely understand what’s going on with my situation, the
coaches understand what’s going on with my situation and more importantly I
think the owners and management understand what’s going on with my
situation.</p>

"So at the end of the day I think something is going to happen and it just
remains to see what that is."</p>

* * * *</p>

Umenyiora was serious when it came to business but was having fun with the
kids on hand for the "Play 60" event. The players there were stressing the
importance of staying active. Umenyiora and Luck both mentioned Kinect for Xbox
360 as a way to play video games but still remain active because of the
controller-free play that uses one's whole body.</p>

"I just ran the little 200 meter hurdles against these 11-year olds and I
won. And I was so proud of myself," Umenyiora said. "I was talking trash to them
about how good I am and how much faster I am than these 10-year-old kids."</p>GIANTS HOST MORE NON-LOCAL TALENT AS FIRST ROUND APPROAHCES (http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/04/nfl_draft_giants_host_more_non.html)

"Last week, we gave you a working <a href="http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/04/giants_bring_in_draft_candidat.html">list
of players who had visited the Giants</a>. Well, as we’re now a little more than
a day to the first pick in the NFL Draft, it’s time to extend that list by nine
names who visited the team at some point over the past month.</p>

These names are courtesy of people informed of the players’ visits. Those
people requested anonymity because they were not to be divulged publicly.</p>

A reminder: the Giants don’t use these non-local visits (of which they’re
allowed up to 30) as smoke screens. If they bring guys in, they’re interested in
them. Or at the very least, they’re looking for more information on heath or
behavioral concerns. So keep these names (and the ones from last week) in mind
once the draft gets underway:</p>

Iowa CB Shaun Prater: A projected mid-round pick, he had a
productive junior season in which he grabbed four interceptions before recording
only one last season. He had a good week of practice at the East-West Shrine
game and ran a tad over or under 4.4 at his pro day (depending on whose watch
you believe). Prater had a knee issue that prevented him from working at the
Scouting Combine, though that doesn’t seem to be a major red flag at this point.
Doesn’t have ideal size (5-10, 185 pounds) and needs work with his press/man
coverage, according to a few scouting reports.</p>

USC TE/FB Rhett Ellison: Converted to fullback last season
for the Trojans. Not the most gifted of athletes, per scouting reports, but an
extremely hard worker and a great leader -- so much so <a href="http://www.usctrojans.com/blog/2011/12/the-trojan-way.html">USC renamed
the team’s annual leadership award for him</a>. Ellison had 43 catches and five
touchdowns in his final two seasons in college combined. At 6-5, 250 pounds, he
sounds like he needs to add to his frame to play tight end at the next level. A
projected mid-round pick.</p>

USC DT DaJohn Harris: The projections here are all over the
place because he didn’t work out at the Scouting Combine after doctors found a
hole in his heart, a result of a condition known as patent foramen ovale. Harris
said his cardiologist cleared him and sent letters to all 32 teams telling him
he was not a medical risk. Still, the Giants probably brought him in to get
their own doctors to examine him. Harris had a heckuva performance at the Shrine
Game and should hear his name by the early part of Saturday, when Rounds 4-7
will be held.</p>

McNeese State CB Janzen Jackson: A ton of baggage here for
this transfer from Tennessee, who was arrested on attempted armed robbery as a
freshman (the charges were later dropped) and reportedly failed a few drug
tests. "I made some mistakes, and I admit I made them," Jackson said during an
interview with WWL 870 in New Orleans, <a href="http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/23/second-chances-former-vols-are-hoping-for-nfl/">per
this story from the Times Free Press in Chattanooga, Tenn</a>. "I was young. I
was away from home, and I didn't make the right choices back then, and I paid
the price. It humbles you no matter how good you think you are." Janzen can be
good, as he had five interceptions with the Vols in 2010 and added three with
McNeese State last season. He didn’t impress physically at the Combine or his
pro day, <a href="http://cache.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/janzen-jackson-12/">according
to Pro Football Weekly</a>, so he surely had a lot of convincing to do when he
sat down with the Giants.</p>

Kentucky LB Dan Trevathan: Your turn to play the role of
scout as <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d827d432b/2012-Combine-workout-Danny-Trevathan">you
watch Trevathan work out at the Scouting Combine</a>. You got a lot out of that,
right? Sure you did. Ah, the Combine. Anyway, Trevathan has good speed,
according to reports, and was a very productive player last season but is a bit
undersized at 6-1, 232 pounds. Jerry Reese said last year he couldn’t ignore
Greg Jones’ production and perhaps it’ll be the same case with Trevathan, who
last season had 143 tackles (11 1/2 tackles for loss), three sacks, four
interceptions, five passes defensed and five fumbles forced. He’s projected as a
late-round pick.</p>

Texas A&amp;M CB Terrence Frederick: <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TEXAGSDB7/status/191935216405856256">Judging from
his Twitter timeline</a>, it looks like he was in with the big group of players
on April 15-16. Frederick ran in the low 4.4s at his pro day after being clocked
over 4.5 at the Scouting Combine. He had only four interceptions in his college
career. As for his ability, <a href="http://cache.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/terrence-frederick-7/">Pro
Football Weekly had a nice breakdown</a> on him and believes he needs to work on
his technique and physical play. He’ll likely be a late-round pick.</p>

Harvard DE Josue Ortiz: I forgot to mention him last week,
as <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/29/2012-draft-visits-and-workout-tracker/">ProFootballTalk.com
was the first to report his visit with the Giants</a> (I think). For the skinny
on Ortiz, check out this <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/harvard-s-ortiz-eyes-landing-spot-in-nfl-1.3673569">good
story from Newsday’s Bob Glauber</a>. </p>

Kentucky S Winston Guy: A late-round pick or perhaps an
undrafted free agent, he’s a physical safety who has 120 tackles last season.
He’s also played some cornerback.</p>

Tennessee State LB Rico Council: Not a ton of information to
be found on him because he’s projected as an undrafted free agent. Frankly,
though, <a href="http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/sports/tsus-rico-council-uses-near-death-experience-transform-himself">Council
will gladly take that after a near-death experience when he was shot in the jaw
three years ago</a>. </p>

* * * *</p>

So to review, what follows is a list of guys who have visited the Giants,
based on our reports and those of others. They’re ranked, as best I could, by
projected order of selection:</p>

A reminder that this isn’t an all-inclusive list of guys who interest the
Giants. They’ll obviously draft players who didn’t make trips to East
Rutherford. But these names help give a feel for some players they’re targeting
as well as positions they’re eying at certain points in the draft.</p>

* * * *</p>

And finally, I don’t know if Huntingdon (Ala.) College WR Cody Pearcy visited
the Giants but we do know he wowed one of the team’s scouts, Joe Collins.</p>

How do we know that? Well, for one, Bill Parcells mentioned Pearcy as a
sleeper at the tail end of his NFL Draft special on ESPN Tuesday night. Perhaps
he gathered that information via his old Giants connections. Plus, when Parcells
mentioned Pearcy, ESPN ran a clip of his pro day workout at Alabama State and
Collins could be seen with a stunned look on his face as Pearcy ran a
3.76-second short shuttle -- a ridiculous number as evidenced by Collins’
reaction. Pearcy also ran a 4.31-second 40.</p>

MARK HERZLICH FEELS GIANTS' MIDDLE LINEBACKER POSITION IS HIS TO WIN (http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/04/mark_herzlich_feels_giants_mid.html)

"One year ago, Mark Herzlich took to the Radio City Music Hall stage prior to the
start the NFL Draft with the understanding that he was not going to be back on
it. Unlike the other 24 invited prospects, Roger Goodell was not expected to
call his name as a first-round pick later that night. Instead, he was there for
his uplifting story of overcoming cancer to return to the gridiron.

At one point, Herzlich was an All-American and surefire first-round pick. But
less than two years and one season on the field removed from Ewing’s sarcoma, a
rare form of bone cancer, in his leg, Herzlich knew an NFL franchise would be
taking a risk on potential with his selection and that it wouldn’t happen until
the middle rounds at the earliest. </p>

No one took the risk.</p>

“If I was going to get drafted, there was going to be at least one team who
overlooked the cancer and said, ‘All right, he’s taken a step past it, he’s on
the way to being the player he was again,’?” the linebacker said. “After round
five, it’s like, ‘Okay, well no one’s looked past that.’ And so I kind of knew
around rounds six and seven that it wasn’t going to happen.”</p>

One year later, the undrafted free agent is a Super Bowl champion and in the
mix for the Giants’ starting middle linebacker spot for the 2012 season. The
Giants re-signed middle linebacker Chase Blackburn, and general manager Jerry
Reese has said starting outside linebacker Michael Boley is a possibility in the
middle. And though Herzlich said he still has plenty to prove and will be
working for a spot on the roster this offseason, he was the starting middle
linebacker for two games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week
12 and views the job as his.</p>

“It’s mine for the taking,” Herzlich said. “I wish the best for everybody
else, but it’s still a competition. I want the team to do well, and if it’s not
the spot that the coaches want me in, then that’s one thing. But the way I look
at it is, there is a place that I can play and I don’t want anyone to take that
away from me.”</p>

Coming off the broken right ankle, Herzlich said the final obstacle was the
ankle’s range of motion, which he said has returned completely.</p>

“I went to one of the physical therapists just the other day, and my right
ankle seemed better than my left now so that’s all back to normal,” he said.
“I’m feeling great and workouts are going well.”</p>

Now with a season under his belt and his first offseason ahead, Herzlich said
he feels like he’s more involved and more comfortable than he was last season.
</p>

“It’s so much better already,” he said.</p>

A few weeks ago, he went in for his routine checkup and remains cancer-free.
Mid-May will be three years since his cancer diagnosis, and his checkups will
then be reduced to every six months, something he called “a good step.” </p>

It’s all part of his journey back to football; past being recognized as the
cancer patient who plays football and to the football player who once had
cancer.</p>

“Now I feel like, okay, I play football and cancer is something that helped
make me who I am, but it’s also not something that I’m dealing with right now,”
he said."
</p>HAKEEM NICKS THINKS GIANTS CAN FIND MARIO MANNINGHAM'S REPLACEMENT IN HOUSE (http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/04/hakeem_nicks_thinks_giants_can.html)

"<span class="adv-photo-large"><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption">Hakeem Nicks thinks the Giants can replace Mario Manningham from
within.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"></span></span><div class="entry-content">Giants (http://www.nj.com/giants/) wideout Hakeem Nicks said he'll
leave the drafting to general manager Jerry Reese, but when it comes to looking
for a replacement for departed wideout Mario Manningham, Nicks thinks the option
is on the current roster. Though, Nicks did say that if Reese wanted to draft a
wideout, he wouldn't protest.

"I feel like we got some guys that are ready to step up to the
challenge," Nicks said at the NFL Pop Up store on 41st street today. "But when
it comes to drafting; that's Jerry Reese and our organization and they obviously
do a good job with that."</p>

"I know Hixon has a chip on his shoulder and he's ready to show what he can
do," he said. </p>

He and the Giants wideouts have been working with quarterback Eli Manning
"ever since we got back," including today. </p>

A lot of the work, he said, focused on combination routes between he and
Victor Cruz in order to make sure there is no layoff from this past season. </p>

As far as advice for the Giants future first-round pick, Nicks -- a former
29th overall pick -- had this:</p>

"Come in be prepared it's a business take it seriously and at the same time
come ready to work because it's a hard working organization."</p></div>ELI MANNING JOKES HE'S THE "THIRD MOST TALKED ABOUT QUARTERBACK" IN NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY (http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2012/04/eli_manning_jokes_hes_the_thir.html)

"Eli Manning doesn't pay attention to any media coverage nor does he care
what's being said about him.

Well, that's the sell job, anyway. It's just that nobody should be buying
anymore.</p>

Not after a playful comment made <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/shepard-smith/index.html#/v/1579583571001/eli-manning-honored-at-ole-miss/?playlist_id=86930">during
an appearance at the University of Mississippi</a> in which the former Rebels
quarterback referenced the hoopla surrounding the Jets' Mark Sanchez and Tim
Tebow recently.</p>

“New York Giants just won a championship," Manning deadpanned to Fox News'
Sheppard Smith, a fellow Ole Miss alum who emceed the event, "yet I’m still the
third most talked about quarterback in my own city.”</p>

The crowd laughed, and the comment seemed to be made in jest by Manning, who
is a budding comedian these days. He'll host SNL on May 5 and was
apparently <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/DeionSanders/status/194850663337963520">shooting a
recent DirecTV commercial with Deion Sanders</a>, who plays a fairy in the dish
company's spots.</p>

Yes, Manning seems to be getting plenty of attention lately. And the cameras
will be on him when he and his teammates pick up their Super Bowl rings at
Tiffany &amp; Co. next month and again when they visit the White House.</p>

In short, surely Sanchez would gladly trade all of the pub he's gotten over
the past three months for the press Manning has gotten.</p>

* * * *</p>

As you can see in the video linked above, the university changed the speed
limit from 18 mph (in honor of Archie Manning) to 10 mph (to honor Eli). Isn't
it usually the older generation telling people to slow down?</p>

* * * *</p>

Smith asked Manning about retirement. Why? I don't know. Something about
moving back to Mississippi when he's done or something...</p>

“I feel I am entering the best part of my career," Manning said. "I said it
last year before the season,<a href="http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/08/giants_eli_manning_considers_h.html">
I said these next seven years are going to be my best football years</a> and I’m
going to focus on that and when it’s time to retire we’ll figure out what that
next stage is going to be.”</p>

* * * *</p>

Weird little tidbit dropped in that vid by David Diehl and Hakeem Nicks on an
apparent mix-up by Nicks. Diehl said a timeout had to be called in the Super
Bowl because Nicks ran to the wrong sideline.</p>

I didn't remember hearing that at any point, so I went back to the broadcast
to see what I could find. Gotta tell you, I have no idea what they're talking
about.</p>

The Giants took two timeouts in that game and on both of them there was no
evident confusion - at least based on what NBC showed. Nicks was on the field
for the plays before and after both timeouts, plus he was lined up and awaiting
the snap when the timeouts were called. At no point did he seem to be running to
either sideline.</p>

One thing I did notice, however, was Nicks shaking his arm at the end of the
play before the timeout (a fumble by Ahmad Bradshaw). It looked like Nicks
might've tweaked the shoulder injury that was bothering him all postseason.</p>

But Nicks went right to the huddle after that play, so that can't be what
Diehl and Nicks were referencing. If I find out, I'll let you folks know. Or if
you have any idea on what they're talking about, please let me know."</p>http://www.nj.com/giants/

"Robert Griffin III knows the names of the Giants pass-rushers. He can pick
out Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul.

But RGIII, the Baylor QB who is like to be chosen by the Washington Redskins
with the second overall pick in this week's NFL draft, doesn't plan to worry
about Big Blue's vaunted pass rush.</p>

"You can’t compare college pass rushers to the Giants, with Tuck and
Umenyiora and everyone else on that squad," he said. "It’s hard to say you’ve
faced guys like that. Have I faced a guy like a Justin Tuck? Yeah, maybe I have
at an Oklahoma or a Texas, or even at Baylor. But to have all those guys on the
same team is what makes it truly different.</p>

"But it’s also different for offenses because you have offensive linemen who
were all all-aermcaisn in college. At the end of the day it balances itself out
and I’ll be more focused on what I have to do offensively than where those guys
are at cuz I don’t want to get hit. You can’t play the game scared."</p>

It was that usual quiet confidence that Griffin showed when he appeared at a
SUBWAY restaurant in Manhattan to be announced as the fast food chain's latest
Famous Fan. He put bunny-ears on the custom-made food statue of himself, and
showed off a pair of SUBWAY-themed socks.</p>

He also said that he wants to do more than take the Redskins back to
respectability in 2012. A part of him hopes to make them an instant
contender.</p>

“There’s no shortage of talent in the NFL, any team can compete,” he said.
“It’s all up to that team to decide what they want to do early on. Hopefully, I
can get my teammates to believe in me to where we can not just compete, but
win.</p>

Once again, it is an offseason of unrest for Umenyiora, who - once again – is
stressing how unhappy he is with his present contract and his desire to get a
new, lucrative long-term deal from the Giants or get traded. Given that he is
about to enter the final year of his contract and the NFL Draft starts Thursday
night, it might be now or never to produce a trade for draft picks.</p>

“I’m resigned to whatever is going to happen,’’ Umenyiora said Wednesday at a
Play 60- event for Xbox 360 at Chelsea Waterside Park. “Whatever is going to
happen is going to happen. I’m trying my best not to really think about it too
much. It keeps me up at night. I haven’t really had a good night’s sleep in
these past two weeks because I never really know what’s going to happen. So,
we’ll see.’’</p>

Umenyiora is on the books this season for $3.975 million, the final year of a
seven-year, $41.38 million deal. At this point he has not shown up at the
offseason workout program and says before he steps foot in the team facility
“Obviously, there are some issues that need to be addressed. There are some
things that need to be taken care of. As soon as those things are taken care of,
I’ll be more than happy to join my teammates," Umenyiora said. </p>

"I miss them. I want to be around them, but they definitely understand what
is going on with my situation. The coaches understand what is going on with my
situation. More importantly, the owners and the management know what’s going on
with my situation. At the end of the day, I think something is going to happen.
It remains to be seen what that is.’’</p>

General manager Jerry Reese last week reiterated that he is open to
considering a contract extension for Umenyiora but a source said there have been
no real talks. The source said there is a circulating rumor that the Giants
would deal Umenyiora if they can get a third-round pick in return. Last summer,
the Giants gave permission for Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, to find a trade
partner but set the price-tag at a first-round pick. Predictably, no takers were
found.</p>

“We’ve had preliminary discussions, but we haven’t had any serious talks as
far as a contract extension or a trade,’’ Umenyiora said. “I think things will
probably heat up pretty soon here over these next couple of days. If they are
going to do something, there would be no better time than to do it now.’’</p>

If he were to be traded, Umenyiora said he would not demand a contract
extension from his new team. </p>

“I would go somewhere else and play under my current deal. I really would,’’
he said. “Whatever happens, I think this year is going to be my best year as a
professional. I truly, truly feel that way. Whether it’s with the Giants or
whether it’s somewhere else, I’ll be all right.’’</p>

Umenyiora last season missed the first three games coming off knee surgery
and saw his starting defensive end job taken by Jason Pierre-Paul, who had a
breakout 16 1/2-sack season. Umenyiora in 13 games (counting the postseason)
came up with 12 1/2 sacks.</p>

“I definitely feel like I’m an every-down player,’’ Umenyiora said. “I feel
like I’m one of the most dangerous defensive ends in football. Not the best, but
the most dangerous. There’s a difference there. I want to be able to play. I
want to be able to lay it out there. There’s this perception that I don’t play
the run and all that stuff. That just makes me so angry. There’s no evidence on
tape, especially with these last two years, that that’s true. The fact that
everybody keeps saying that I just want to go out and prove that I can
definitely do that.</p>

“It’s going to be difficult for me to do that here in New York because
they’re really starting to view me as a pass rusher especially with the
emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul and obviously you know how (Justin) Tuck plays.
There’s a lot of issues we have to work through here. Hopefully we can come to
some sort of resolution.’’</p>

Working out in Atlanta, Umenyiora said he is in “some of the best shape of my
career’’ and sounded a bit torn when asked what he truly wants. </p>

“I really don’t know,’’ he said. “I don’t know what’s best. Is me leaving and
going somewhere else and playing 100 snaps a game, is that really the best for
my career? Is that the best for my body? Or is me staying here and playing
behind these guys and still having people have this false perception that I
can’t play the run, is that best for me? I don’t know. Is giving the Giants
another year of a seven-year deal that they made me play out, is that best for
me? I really don’t know. Everything’s up in the air right now.’’</p>

Umenyiora is certain of what he does not want. “If they make me play out the
seventh year of a seven-year deal, that’s going to be rough right there,’’ he
said. “I don’t even know if that’s a possibility at this point. You can never
really say never. Hopefully, something can be done here. If I have to come back
and play it, I really don’t know how I’m going to react to that situation.’’
</p></div>
##

The Giants can find the answer to that question if they take Stanford tight
end Coby Fleener with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft
Thursday night, because Coby is short for Jacoby — as in Joe Jacoby, one of the
cornerstones of the Redskins’ famed “Hogs” offensive line of the 1980s and
’90s.</p>

“I was watching a Redskins game, and I liked the sound of the name,”
Fleener’s mother, Michelle, explained to Bay Area reporters last
fall.
</p>NFL scouts certainly like the sight of her son’s game. Fleener is considered
by far the best of an otherwise lackluster crop of tight ends this year, and the
Giants may target him because the Super Bowl suddenly turned that into a
position of need for them.<div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; COLOR: #000000; OVERFLOW: hidden; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; TEXT-DECORATION: none">

General manager Jerry Reese is famous for drafting the best available player,
regardless of need, but tight end still looks like a worry spot worth addressing
after Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum both were felled by serious knee injuries
in the win over the Patriots.</p>

Although the Giants signed Martellus Bennett away from the Cowboys, still
have Bear Pascoe and hope to have Beckum back early in the season, the Patriots’
devastating combination of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez shows you can
never have too many weapons at tight end.</p>

Fleener is grateful for the great example, too.</p>

“The guys that played in the NFL this year, the Jimmy Grahams and the
Gronkowskis of the world, have really done our class of tight ends a favor this
year,” Fleener said at the scouting combine. “I can’t say enough about the guys
that have already played, and I hope to one day go play just like that.”</p>

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Fleener certainly qualifies as a weapon after serving
as one of Andrew Luck’s favorite targets during a standout four-year career with
the Cardinal.</p>

How dangerous was Fleener? A whopping 17 of his 60 combined catches the past
two seasons went for touchdowns. Fleener also is extremely versatile, having
also lined up at H-back, slot receiver and even wide receiver in his four years
at Stanford.</p>

Nor would it surprise anyone that Fleener is smart, too. He fits the Stanford
stereotype perfectly, already earning a bachelor’s degree in science, technology
and society. And the Chicago-area native’s idea of a good time this spring has
been finishing up on a master’s degree in media studies.</p>

And if all of that weren’t enough of an attractive package, Fleener is
deceptively fast for his size. He had touchdowns of 41, 58 and 60 yards last
season — not the kind of distances you see for a tight end weighing almost 250
pounds. Fleener is so quick, college teammate Michael Thomas described him as
the second-fastest offensive player the Cardinal had last season behind wideout
Chris Owusu.</p>

“He has unbelievable speed for a guy his size,” Stanford linebacker Chase
Thomas said last fall.</p>

"The ongoing contract situation between the New York (http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york/) Giants and defensive end <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Osi Umenyiora" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/osi-umenyiora/" rel="tag nofollow">Osi
Umenyiora</a> is like a ticking time bomb. He wanted top-5 money, didn't get it
and then held out. After being fined, he returned. Upon his return, he
threatened to have surgery…and then he had it. Following said surgery, he
returned again and helped the Giants win another Super Bowl. He then vowed not to be a distraction this season (http://www.giants101.com/2012/02/20/new-york-giants-osi-umenyiora-has-no-plans-to-be-a-distraction-in-2012/). Now, a day before
the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) Draft,
Umenyiora has come almost full circle.

While appearing on WFAN 660 with Boomer and Carton, Umenyiora was asked if
he'd return to Big Blue without a new or adjusted contract. His answer?
"Honestly…I doubt it."</p>

Umenyiora noted that the original numbers (seven years, $41 million) on his
contract were overinflated and misreported, and that his seven-year deal was
actually worth closer to $30 million. Had it been the $41 million that's been
reported, Umenyiora said the two sides "wouldn't be in this situation."</p>
<blockquote>

"The team will always do what's right for them … at some point you have to do
what's right for yourself," Umenyiora said.</p></blockquote>

So what is right for Umenyiora? A contract compatible to either Trent Cole or
Robert Mathis, which would be right around four-years and $36 million.</p>

All that aside, Umenyiora said he and the Giants have held preliminary
discussions on a new contract but that "nothing is imminent." He also added that
he hopes to end his career as a member of the Giants, even if it means filling a
reserve role.</p>
<blockquote>

"Whatever this teams wants me to do, is what I am willing to do," Umenyiora
said.</p></blockquote>

A year ago Umenyiora was given permission to seek a trade, but none of the
other 31 teams were willing to give up anything close to what the Giants wanted
in exchange for the former Pro Bowler. This year is likely to be no different,
so this merry-go-round is just getting started."</p>WHO MIGHT NEW YORK GIANTS TARGET IN A TRADE DOWN SCENARIO? (http://www.giants101.com/2012/04/25/who-might-the-new-york-giants-target-in-a-trade-down-scenario/)

"There is a very strong likelihood that when Thursday night comes and goes at
the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) Draft, the
<a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> will not have selected at all. The team could be in a prime position
to trade down back into the 2nd round. Here are three names the team could
target in a trade down scenario.

This guy does not jump off of the page at anyone when they scan their pre
draft rankings, mock drafts, and scouting reports. That said, you won't find a
more consistent player on a down to downbasis.</p>

Jones' discipline, ability to work down the line of scrimmage in the run
game, and flat out consistent penetration is impressive. He has scheme
flexibility, plays inside and outside on the defensive line, and yet he is still
very raw. This guy has shades of Justin Tuck in him and with Jason Pierre-Paul
now being the feature blind-side rusher on the team, the Giants could use some
help on the other side and on the interior.</p>

This guy has the length, the natural strength, and the size to do that. In
fact, the Giants may not even trade down to grab this guy. If he is there at 32,
look out for his name.</p>

It is tough to envision the Giants spending a top pick on a back, but every
trend eventually gets bucked. If that's the case, there is no better a player to
end that streak on than Miller.</p>

Despite being a redshirt sophomore, Miller has serious skills coming out of
the backfield. On top of being an adept receiver, he has the ability to find the
cutback lane, get into open field, and make people look absolutely foolish.</p>

Miller stood out the last two seasons on a pair of underachieving Miami teams
and I am quite sure he will in the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) as well. It is unfortunate that this guy's value
projects right around the top portion to mid second round, where the Giants will
unlikely be able to grab him.</p>

A running theme in the draft pieces here on Giants 101 is the idea that the
team would ideally look for a flanker to play the outside in three wide receiver
sets so that <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Victor Cruz" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/victor-cruz/" rel="tag nofollow">Victor
Cruz</a> could remain in the slot.</p>

Jeffery has the size and skill-set to do that. His attitude and ability to
separate are concerns for sure as he comes into the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/), but he put
on some impressive performances the last three seasons at SouthCarolina.</p>

In 2010 he almost single handedly de-railed Alabama's title hopes. If the
Giants are looking for some size on the outside, keep an eye out for
Jeffery."
</p>NEW YORK GIANTS' ELI MANNING: MY BEST FOOTBALL IS STILL AHEAD F ME (http://www.giants101.com/2012/04/24/new-york-giants-eli-manning-my-best-football-is-still-ahead-of-me/)

"After eight years in the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/), <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> quarterback <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Eli Manning" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/eli-manning/" rel="tag nofollow">Eli
Manning</a> already has two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP's; the most
recent coming back in February following a dramatic 21-17 victory over the New
England Patriots. However, he feels that's just the tip of the iceberg, and
while sitting down with Sheppard Smith of FOX News (http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/shepard-smith/index.html), said his best football (http://www.giants101.com/tag/football/)
has yet to come.
<blockquote>

"I feel I'm entering the best part of my career," Manning said. "I said it
last year before the season; I said 'these next seven year are going to be my
best football (http://www.giants101.com/tag/football/)
years.' I'm going to focus on that."</p></blockquote>

Manning, who will host Saturday Night Live on May 5th (http://www.giants101.com/2012/04/15/new-york-giants-eli-manning-will-host-saturday-night-live-on-may-5th/), also took some time to
joke about the New York (http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york/)
Jets and their quarterbacks, Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.</p>
<blockquote>

"<a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with New York Giants" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york-giants/" rel="tag nofollow">New York
Giants</a> just won a championship and yet I'm still the third most talked about
quarterback in my own city," Manning said.</p></blockquote>

To watch the interview in its entirety, head over to the <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/shepard-smith/index.html" target="_blank">FOX
News website</a>. It includes an interesting, and previously unknown, tidbit
about why the Giants called a questionable timeout in Super Bowl XLVI."</p>NY GIANTS' 2012 NFL DRAFT BOARD: THE FANTASTIC FOUR (http://www.giants101.com/2012/04/24/new-york-giants-2012-nfl-draft-big-board-the-fantastic-four/)

"New York (http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york/)
Giants General Manager Jerry Reese did not mince words when he described this
year's draft class. He stated that there were between 15 and 20 first-round
prospects, but that after that there was a significant drop off in talent. And
while the Giants select 32nd overall, but that doesn't mean they won't grab one
of the aforementioned 15 to 20 players.

Reese has stated a number of times that he likes to take "the best player
available" and even went as far as to say that he drafts "as if he has no
team."</p>

While I am not sure Reese is being totally honest there, the general concept
still applies. Picking dead last in the first round does not give a team much of
a choice: go with the best player. Based on a number of factors including
projected availability, here is whom I think Reese may be targeting in the first
round come Thursday.</p>

Mercilus is a vastly under-rated player in this year's draft. So often
players with "potential" rocket up draft boards and the hype around them grows.
Despite bursting onto the scene in 2011, Mercilus seems to be flying pretty well
under the radar to this point. His consistent ability to show up in games week
in and week out really separated his 2011 season from a lot of other prospects.
He only had two games where he did not record a sack and he truly turned the
corner as a prospect.</p>

Reese and the Giants scouting department don't need four years of consistent
tape to grade players highly. If they believe the talent is there and that their
coaches can work with it, they select a guy.</p>

Perhaps a pass-rusher starved team like Kansas City or Jacksonville
unexpectedly swoops in early and grabs him but if he slips I believe he could be
New York (http://www.giants101.com/tag/new-york/)'s
top target.</p>

The NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/) invited <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Luke Keuchly" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/luke-keuchly/" rel="tag nofollow">Luke
Keuchly</a> to the Draft this year, but he declined.. I happen to think that he
will slip on draft day. I have seen him mocked to Seattle and Philadelphia but
no not believe either will pick him. Seattle has cut their payroll at linebacker
by 90% since Pete Carroll arrived and just resigned two of their linebackers.
Philadelphia filled a need with DemecoRyansand will likely be looking
elsewhere on draft day itself.</p>

Yes, it would be out of the ordinary for the Giants to go linebacker this
early, but selecting a player who has flexibility in a 4-3 scheme who could pair
with Keith Rivers and Michael Boleywould give the team its best linebacking
corps in arguably a decade while also letting <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Mathias Kiwanuka" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/mathias-kiwanuka/" rel="tag nofollow">Mathias
Kiwanuka</a> work on the defensive line.</p>

Jacquian Williams has a bright future but even with one full season under his
belt is still more raw than Keuchly is. Williams will certainly compete for a
starting role in 2012, but right now he thrives in nickel packages.</p>

It is hard to understand why as the draft inches closer there is less talk
about this guy. He was productive all four years at Baylor and displayed almost
every key attribute needed to be a successful wide receiver at the next level
during his time at Baylor. He has strong hands, works the vertical routes
exceptionally well, and comes in and out of his breaks fast.</p>

Not quite as explosive speed wise as the man many have compared him to as a
pro, Carolina's Steve Smith, but he does have the football (http://www.giants101.com/tag/football/) savvy to make up for it.</p>

</p><div>
<div>
<div>
</div></div></div>

4. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech</p>

Talent, talent, talent. That's the buzz word when it comes to Hill. He comes
from a program that runs the triple option, so passing games are hampered quite
a bit. Still though, talented receivers love Georgia Tech because the
opportunities that they do get yield them big yardage. Most notably <a class="st_tag internal_tag" title="Posts tagged with Calvin Johnson" href="http://www.giants101.com/tag/calvin-johnson/" rel="tag nofollow">Calvin
Johnson</a> and more recently Demaryius Thomas have both come out of GT and seen
great success in the NFL (http://www.giants101.com/tag/nfl/).</p>

That will cause one to look back and put the tape of Georgia Tech receivers
on again.</p>

I think Hill fits what the Giants want in their flankers and could very
easily help out in that department which would help keep Victor Cruz where he
thrives: in the slot."</p><a href="http://www.giants101.com/">http://www.giants101.com/
</a>
<u><font size="4">BIG BLUE VIEW</font></u><span id="entry_flag_counts_2011/12/23/2655531/friday-five-with-pat-traina-jets-giants-edition" class="flag-counts"><span class="light"></span> </span><span id="entry_flag_links_2011/12/23/2655531/friday-five-with-pat-traina-jets-giants-edition"></span>

Excerpt: "Good morning fellow Giants fans. The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, which
means that there will be a lot of football talk over the next 72 hours. And
being that it's Hump Day, it's time to look at our official Hump Day
calendar--there are just 19 weeks left until the NFL regular season kicks off.
To put that in perspective, 19 weeks ago the Giants had just beaten the Dallas Cowboys (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys) in
stunning fashion with JPP blocking a last-minute field goal attempt to keep
their (eventual championship) season alive. In some ways, that seems like
yesterday, doesn't it? Anyway, there is a lot to get to, so let's have
it....."Read more...

FIVE BEST DRAFT PICKS OF THE JERRY REESE ERA (http://www.bigblueview.com/2012/4/24/2969942/new-york-giants-draft-jerry-reese-jason-pierre-paul-hakeem-nicks-ahmad-bradshaw)

"With the 2012 NFL Draft approaching fast here is a quick look at the five
best New York Giants (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-giants)
draft selection of the Jerry Reese era as general manager.<div class="entry-body">
<p class="extend-divide"><a name="storyjump"></a>http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg</p>

1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108442/jason-pierre-paul">Jason
Pierre-Paul</a> -- Yep, I wanted Reese to draft <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108441/derrick-morgan">Derrick
Morgan</a> of Tennessee. Most of the folks around Big Blue View let out a
collective groan when JR drafted JPP, thinking he had lost his mind by drafting
a guy who looked like a great gymnast with no idea how to play football. Well,
we know how smart Reese looks and how stupid those of us who did not like the
pick look. He is only an All Pro and the Giants' best defensive player. Who
knows how high the ceiling is for Pierre-Paul if he can avoid catastrophic
injury.</p>

2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71294/hakeem-nicks">Hakeem
Nicks</a> -- Too heavy. Too slow. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71518/darrius-heyward-bey">Darrius
Heyward-Bey</a> is faster. Kenny Britt (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71492/kenny-britt) is
better. Yep, heard all of that. Of course, it all turned out to be nonsense.
Reese wanted Nicks. He got Nicks. He's been right about Nicks. The guy is a
star.</p>

3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/16768/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad
Bradshaw</a> -- We know how good, and how tough, the guy is. And the Giants
drafted him in the seventh round in 2007, the 250th player taken. Bradshaw may
be Reese's best hidden gem, unless you want to count the Giants' good luck in
finding Victor Cruz (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/109584/victor-cruz). I
can't, because even Reese admitted the Giants only invited him to camp because
we was a local free agent.</p>

4. Steve Smith -- The guy was tremendous as a possession receiver
before wrecking his knee, and foolishly wrecking his career by bolting for the
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia
Eagles</a>. The all-time single-season reception leader for the franchise, and
Reese got him in the second round in 2007, 51st overall.</p>

5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34493/mario-manningham">Mario
Manningham</a> -- In 2008 Manningham was considered a first-round talent
with a questionable attitude. Reese gambled on the talent in the third round,
95th overall, and that helped the Giants win the 2012 Super Bowl. It also gets
Manningham on the list.</p>

So, who would you add or subtract from the list?"</p></div>http://www.bigblueview.com/section/news

"With the second of their two fourth
round draft picks, I have the Giants selecting a cornerback. <span id="more-4224"></span>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">Why Cornerback?
Of the nine
corners now on the Giants roster, six will see their contracts expire. Since the
Giants usually like to have at least four solid corners in their rotation, and
since it’s unlikely they’ll be able to re-sign everyone in that group, I would
be stunned if they don’t address cornerback in the draft.</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">What About Michael Coe and
Justin Tryon?
Both Coe and Tryon are signed to one-year “prove
it” deals. However, I think they’re mostly going to be used on special teams,
where they excelled last season prior to suffering their respective
injuries.</p>

With Antwaun Molden also on a one-year “prove it” deal, the way I see the
Giants’ cornerback situation shaking out is this year behind starters Terrell
Thomas and Corey Webster, Molden will likely begin the year as the third corner,
followed by Amukamara. By next year, look for Amukamara to move up to the third
cornerback spot with a potential draft pick likely filling the fourth slot.</p>

Projected Pick: Omar Bolden, 5-10, 202 lbs. Arizona
State
Bolden, who reportedly was one of the 30 allotted draft
prospects to pay a pre-draft visit to the Giants’ facilities, is a good cover
man who is also a return specialist. However he’s a bit of a risk in that he’s
missed part of two seasons due to knee injuries, including last year when he
missed the entire 2011 campaign with a torn ACL.</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">The Giants have not been gun-shy when
it comes to taking a flier on a college prospect coming off an injury, and it’s
possible that because of the injury he had last year, Bolden’s stock, which had
initially been projected as high as the third round, could slip down to the
fourth round."</p>GIANTS' MOCK DRAFT: 6TH ROUND (201ST OVERALL) (http://insidefootball.com/blog/archives/4222)

"With their pick in the sixth round, I have the Giants selecting a
safety.<span id="more-4222"></span>

Why Safety?
Although the Giants added veterans
Chris Horton and Stevie Brown, I’m not sure
both will make the final roster. I think the Giants are hoping for progress from
second-year man Tyler Sash, yet another player who, as I said
previously, did not have an off-season last year due to the lockout and who I
think you have to give a pass for the 2011 season.</p>

Also in looking ahead, Kenny Phillips will be a free agent
after this season, and there could be some question about whether the Giants
will be able to re-sign him for the money he’d likely be seeking.</p>

So in keeping with the theme of this mock draft, I think it makes sense to
consider drafting depth and getting that player ready.</p>

What About?
Chad Jones, the
team’s former third-round pick in 2010, has been diligently working in his rehab
to regain full range of motion after suffering severe injuries to his leg in a
June 2010 car crash. The reports out of Louisiana, where he’s been doing his
rehab, have been extremely positive, and most recently, Newsday
recently reported that Jones underwent a surgical procedure in which he had some
of the hardware in his leg removed – all positive signs.</p>

I don’t think Jones will be ready for this season – in the Newsday
report, he speculated that he might not be ready to go until mid-season. At that
point, he will have missed all the on-field work, which is greater than 50% of
the preparation that a football player goes through to get ready for the
year.</p>

The good news is that Jones could be ready for 2013. With no guarantees and
with both Horton and Stevie Brown on “prove it’ deals, the Giants might want to
bring in another safety to develop in the event that Jones doesn’t stay on
course.</p>

Projected Pick: Matt Daniels, 6-1, 215 lbs.,
Duke
Despite missing the 2010 season with a broken foot,
Daniels concluded an otherwise productive college career. Among his listed
strengths are his tenacity, his intelligence, and his ability to sniff out a
play and get into a position to make a difference. He’s also played special
teams as a gunner and has been described by scouts as being an intelligent
football player. Daniels could be one of those young players that boosts special
teams, while the coaches fully explore how much higher the kid’s ceiling can
go."</p>http://www.insidefootball.com/

<font size="4"><u>THE RED ZONE

</u><font size="3">UMENYIORA NOT LOOKING FOR CONTRACT EXTENSION IF TRADED (http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/25826/Umenyiora-not-looking-for-contract-extension-if-traded/Default.aspx)

"</font></font>New York Giants defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora made it clear Wednesday that
any team intere

nygsb42champs

04-25-2012, 01:34 PM

Thanks RF. I love Eli's attitude about all the attention the other 2 New York QB's are getting.

BigBlue1971

04-25-2012, 01:35 PM

thanks Roanoke! [B]</P>

if Elis next 7 years are gonna be his best we as fans have a lot to look forward to! [&lt;:o)]</P>

RoanokeFan

04-25-2012, 03:08 PM

Thanks RF. I love Eli's attitude about all the attention the other 2 New York QB's are getting.

[B]

RoanokeFan

04-25-2012, 03:09 PM

thanks Roanoke! [B]</p>

if Elis next 7 years are gonna be his best we as fans have a lot to look forward to! [&lt;:o)]</p>